Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Week 1 Matchups, In-or-Out, Upset of the Week
Release Date: September 7, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction and Week 1 Recap

Jason Moore kicks off the episode with enthusiasm, welcoming listeners from Draft.com Studios alongside Andy Holloway and Mike Wright. They quickly dive into the aftermath of Week 1's sole NFL game:

• Mike Wright [01:14]: "What a game it was."
• Jason Moore [01:16]: "What a garbage dumpster pile of trash. That game."

Despite initial frustrations with the game's quality, the hosts acknowledge its significance as the season opener:

• Andy Holloway [01:37]: "Look, it definitely played the part of first game of the season."

They also highlight the fantasy points scored by their team members, setting the stage for a detailed fantasy forecast.

2. Highlighting the Debut and Player Reactions

The trio discusses notable moments, including Nick Foles's visible displeasure during the game:

• Mike Wright [01:46]: "Nick Foles... looked sweaty, upset, a little bit scared..."

They delve into social media reactions, particularly focusing on Jay Ajayi's performance:

• Andy Holloway [02:36]: "You jump to conclusions."
• Jason Moore [03:09]: "There was far more Jay rooting going on in this room than I had realized."

The hosts express frustration over inconsistent performances from players like Corey Clement and Mike Wallace, considering their starting status for Week 1.

3. In-or-Out Player Decisions

A significant segment of the episode revolves around deciding whether to keep or drop certain players based on their Week 1 performances and upcoming matchups.

• Jason Moore on Jay Ajayi [07:38]: "If I had Jay, I would try to sell high."

  Discussing Jay's fluctuation in performance:

  • Jason Moore [08:33]: "There's not going to be a one back system in place here... it's going to be a frustrating time."

• Andy Holloway on Corey Clement and Mike Wallace [09:34]: "I would trash Corey Clement and I would trash Mike Wallace for right now."

• Jason Moore [10:42]: "Sure, sure. I'm starting my Tyrod..."

The hosts balance their decisions by analyzing player usage, team strategies, and potential for future matchups.

4. Matt Ryan’s Debut and Julio Jones' Performance

The discussion shifts to Matt Ryan's debut as the Falcons' quarterback and Julio Jones' phenomenal week:

• Andy Holloway [11:16]: "Matt Ryan has arguably the best wide receiver in football on his roster. Julio Jones last night was unbelievable."

Critiques of Matt Ryan's debut include:

• Jason Moore [12:26]: "He looks as bad as any quarterback in the league. Had nothing to do with the great defense."

They balance this by emphasizing Julio Jones' continued fantasy value:

• Andy Holloway [14:07]: "Julio had a monster week. He's going to continue to. It's just a matter of can he score."

5. Injury News and Implications

Injury updates play a crucial role in fantasy decisions:

• Sonny Michel (Patriots RB): Likely out for Week 1.

• Marshawn Lynch (RB): Groin injury, expected to be out.

• Will Fuller (WR): Hamstring issue, advised not to start.

• Vance McDonald (LB, Chargers): Limited to reps, not advisable to play.

  • Jason Moore [09:47]: "Vance will play. I think this is them limiting his reps. But I would not play Vance McDonald Week 1, right?"

6. Matchup Analysis and Fantasy Forecast

The hosts provide in-depth analysis of several Week 1 matchups, offering strategic advice for fantasy managers.

Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Andy Holloway [20:55]: Bet on Le'Veon Bell not playing, start James Conner.

• Jason Moore [21:32]: "I moved him [Le'Veon Bell] down to 8 expecting several games missed."

• Emphasis on James Conner's potential:

  • Jason Moore [25:15]: "I would take James Conner..."

New York Giants vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Andy Holloway [26:08]: Take the under on the 42.5 point over/under.

• Mike Wright [26:45]: Start Leonard Fournette and Keelan Cole for Jacksonville.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers

• Jason Moore [30:02]: Advises against playing Patrick Mahomes early in his new system.

• Focus on Tyreek Hill's high potential:

  • Andy Holloway [30:16]: "I'm starting him up."

Washington Redskins vs. Arizona Cardinals

• Mike Wright [34:19]: Reliably start David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald.

• Highlighting Sam Bradford as a potential play:

  • Mike Wright [34:19]: "Sam Bradford is a pretty decent play this week."

Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys

• Jason Moore [38:05]: Recommends starting Keenan Allen over uncertain Cowboys receivers.

• Andy Holloway [40:04]: Suggests caution with Dak Prescott, favoring other quarterbacks like Sam Bradford or Dalton Schultz.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos

• Andy Holloway [40:53]: Advises taking the under on the 42.5 point over/under.

• Mike Wright [41:03]: Recommends starting Sam Bradford and Amari Cooper.

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

• Andy Holloway [44:07]: Suggests 'pumping the brakes' on Jordan Howard.

• Discussion on Allen Robinson's ambiguous role:

  • Mike Wright [45:36]: "Allen Robinson, keep your head."

Los Angeles Rams vs. Oakland Raiders

• Andy Holloway [53:29]: Predicts an under on the 42.5 point over/under.

• Jason Moore [54:40]: "If Amari Cooper has a bad week, I will be trading for Cooper."

7. Playoff Outlook and Player Strategies

The hosts discuss long-term strategies based on Week 1 performances, emphasizing flexibility and the importance of not overreacting to single-game outcomes. They encourage listeners to monitor player performances closely and make informed decisions moving forward.

8. Daily Dose and Community Engagement

In the "Daily Dose" segment, Mike Wright shares insights and engages with the community, emphasizing the importance of staying updated through their platforms:

• Mike Wright [56:30]: "We jump in a triangle match of death where we are going head to head using the Draft app..."

They also announce giveaway winners, fostering a sense of community and rewarding listener engagement.

9. Conclusion and Upcoming Content

The episode wraps up with reminders about upcoming live streams and encouraging listeners to join their community:

• Andy Holloway [61:32]: "Tune in on Sunday morning to the live stream... Have an absolutely wonderful weekend."

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore [07:38]: "If I had Jay, I would try to sell high."

• Andy Holloway [11:16]: "Matt Ryan has arguably the best wide receiver in football on his roster."

• Jason Moore [10:42]: "I would trash Corey Clement and I would trash Mike Wallace for right now."

• Mike Wright [34:19]: "Sam Bradford is a pretty decent play this week against Washington at home."

Key Takeaways

• Flexibility is Key: Week 1 performances can be deceptive; avoid making rash decisions based solely on one game.

• Watch for Injuries: Stay updated with injury reports as they significantly impact player values and weekly starts.

• Strategic Start/Sit Decisions: Prioritize players with consistent usage and favorable matchups over those with volatile performances.

• Community Engagement: Leveraging community insights and remaining connected through their platforms can enhance your fantasy strategy.

This comprehensive review of the Fantasy Footballers' Week 1 episode provides valuable insights and strategic advice for fantasy managers navigating the start of the NFL season. By analyzing player performances, matchups, and injury news, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions for their fantasy teams.